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Wainwright vows to keep on learning

Back row ace Aaron Wainwright has vowed to keep learning every single day – as he bids to continue his eye-catching upward curve and whirlwind start to life in professional rugby.

Wainwright – who this week turned 21 – has enjoyed a stunning 12 months at the Dragons. 

The Newport-born forward only made his debut for the region last season at Cardiff Blues.

By the end of the campaign he was on the Welsh summer tour and made his international bow against Argentina in June.

“I just want to build on what I have achieved and push on to see what I can do this year,” said Wainwright.

“I want to learn as much as I can and develop my skills from the more senior boys around me.

“Going away in the summer was a really good experience,” he added. “I got some game time and enjoyed it. I learned a lot from the boys in the Welsh squad.

“I tried to take in what I was taught and take things away from the tour that I could use back at the Dragons. 

“My focus now is on building on that experience with the Dragons. We’ve had two good wins so far and we want to get better and see how well we can go.

“I don’t think it’s changed me as a person. Now it’s about pushing myself and I came back for pre-season just wanting to play regular rugby. Training hard, week in and week out, and putting in performances.”

Wainwright’s development has also earned the praise of Head Coach Bernard Jackman, who believes his star back rower could yet get 50% better.

He still has a lot of work to do on his role in certain areas but is a very interesting project with a lot of potential – I would say he is only at 50 per cent of where he can get to because his training age is so low,” said Jackman.

"He has had very little time in any proper system, so his growth can be way higher than someone who has been spotted at 16 and been involved in various age-grade teams.

"Aaron has been away with Wales and seen the next level, he has got a taste of it now. He is more intolerant of poor performance and even harder on himself.

"He is still a quiet, unassuming, humble guy but there is a bit of an edge to him as well, which is important."

Dragons return to action at Rodney Parade against Cardiff Blues on Saturday 6 October, 5.15pm. Early bird tickets are available until midnight Friday.

CLICK HERE to secure your tickets for the game.


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